Hamilton named one of the world’s Smart21 Communities of 2018

HAMILTON, ON - Last Friday in New York City, The City of Hamilton was selected as one of the world’s Smart21 Communities of 2018 by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF).

The Smart21 designation represents the best models of economic, social and cultural development in the digital age. Each nomination is evaluated based on the six Intelligent Community Indicators:  broadband; knowledge workforce; innovation; digital equality; sustainability and advocacy. Hamilton joins communities from cities in the United States, Taiwan, Australia, Finland and France.  This year, over half of the world’s Smart21 Communities of 2018 are from Canadian communities.

In January 2015, the Global Hamilton Council advisory body with political, administrative, business and community representation was formed to provide advice to the City of Hamilton. As a means to increasing international visibility and attract investment, this Council proposed that the City of Hamilton apply to the ICF for the “Intelligent Communities” designation.  ICF is a non-profit group that examines the capability of individual cities to prosper in a Broad Band Economy and designates some of them as “Intelligent Communities.” 

According to the ICF, “gaining a place among the 2018 Smart21 is considered a badge of honor as well as the first step greater recognition as an Intelligent Community positioned to prosper in the broadband economy.” Through the support of the Global Hamilton Council, Hamilton achieved the Smart21 designation in its first attempt in 2015.  

“I am extremely proud that Hamilton has once again achieved the Smart21 community designation from ICF, It’s especially fitting with this year’s award theme - “From Revolution to Renaissance”  - that it’s time for the world to see what we’ve always known, that the collaborative spirit and technological developments happening in our community signal that Hamilton is ready to thrive and prosper in the broadband economy.” 

Hamilton Mayor, Fred Eisenberger

Hamilton will now move forward and remain in contention for the prestigious designation of an Intelligent Community Top7, to be named in February 2018. One of the seven will then be named Intelligent Community of the Year at the ICF 2018 Global Summit in London in June 2018.